Executive Order Extends Protections to LGBT Workers

On July 21, 2014, President Barack Obama signed an Executive Order prohibiting discrimination by federal contractors on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.

The President directed the Secretary of Labor to prepare regulations by October 19, 2014, implementing the new requirements as they relate to federal contractors under Executive Order 11246, Jackson Lewis LLC reports, noting that the order requires covered government contractors and subcontractors to undertake affirmative action to ensure that equal employment opportunity is afforded in all aspects of their employment processes.

The Executive Order will apply to federal contracts entered into on or after the effective date of the forthcoming regulations. The Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs likely will be charged with its enforcement.